This article is from page 14 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
PLANS to rejuvenate Ennis’s historic town centre could be kick-started by the development of a covered market in the Lysaght’s Lane area of the town, according to a new report.
The lane, which leads into the lower market street car park, is identified as the preferred location for a new market in a report by the architectural firm behind Limerick City’s Milk Market Project.
Richard Rice of Healy Partners and Associates made the recommendation in a report commissioned by Ennis Town Council.
Rice was asked to examine the entire Ennis Market area, with particular reference to providing a covered market in the town.
Mr Rice’s preliminary report stated, “We recommend that the Lysaght’s Lane option be considered for development as the location for the Farmers Artisan Market. It is at the retail core of the town; is within a defined urban space that offers very positive development potential; establishes a pedestrian zone at the town centre; offers opportunities to local business to develop their premises towards the new market location.”
The council has given its backing to the project, which it says has the potential to “become the flagship legacy project” for the council’s final year.
On the removal of parking spaces from the Lysaght’s Lane area, the report stated, it “would have the positive effect of removing the need for car access from the roundabout at Market Place and create a pedestrian core in the town centre.
It added, “This would be seen as being a key goal in the creation of a safer market environment when considering the presence of children.”
The council recently held a public workshop with market stakeholders including local businesses, stall holders, Farmers Market cooperative and customers.
Richard Rice made a formal pres- entation for growing the Market from lower market street car park (Lysaght’s Lane), through the Mall to the Market Day sculpture and roundabout. The proposal would include some pedestrian areas for market customers with access to deliveries.
Town clerk Leonard Cleary explained that a proposal was also received for the council to examine opportunities for improved access to the area from adjacent streets.
“This idea sought to concentrate footfall to the benefit of traders in the market and traders on the adjacent streets as well as ease of customer flow. A specific suggestion in relation to access from O’Connell Street was proposed in this regard.”
Mr Cleary added, “It is recommended that the council progress the market report suggestions further through appropriate Part VIII planning and tender procedures. This project has the potential to become the flagship legacy project for the final year of this Ennis Town Council term.”